The Shankle family originated in Bavaria, Germany. As hereditary surnames were adopted in that area beginning in the 12th century, people were often identified by the kind of work they did. Shankle is an occupational name for a cup bearer or server of wine. The name stems from the Old German word "scenko," which means "cup."

Shankle Early Origins

The surname Shankle was first found in Bavaria, where this distinguished family established itself.

Shankle Spelling Variations

Shankle Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Shankle include Schenkel, Schenkell, Schenckel, Schaenkel, Schaenkell, Schanckel, Schankel, Schankell, Shankel, Shankell and many more.

Shankle Early History

Shankle Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Shankle research. Another 142 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1771, 1786, 1813, 1845, and 1885 are included under the topic Early Shankle History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Shankle Early Notables (pre 1700)

Shankle Early Notables (pre 1700)

Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Shankle Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Shankles to arrive in North America, and among them were: Johannes Schenkel, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1731; Jacob Schenkel, who arrived in Philadelphia, at the age of 27; in 1735; Johan Shenkell, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1738.

Contemporary Notables of the name Shankle (post 1700)

Contemporary Notables of the name Shankle (post 1700)

David Lee Shankle (b. 1967), American guitarist

Joel Shankle (b. 1933), American bronze medalist athlete at the 1956 Summer Olympics, ACC Male Athlete of the Year (1954)

The Shankle Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Shankle Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.